Hindu leaders in America have demanded an apology from Selena Gomez after she performed at the MTV Movie Awards with a religious bindi symbol on her forehead.

Officials at the Universal Society of Hinduism have branded the pop star's appearance during her Come & Get It song "insensitive" and have urged her not to repeat it as she plans for an upcoming world tour.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed tells Wenn, " The bindi on the forehead is an ancient tradition in Hinduism and has religious significance. It is also sometimes referred to as the third eye and the flame, and it is an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol... It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed.

"Selena should apologise and then she should get acquainted with the basics of world religions."

Gomez has also come under fire for her alleged culturally insensitive performance at the awards ceremony on Sunday (14Apr13) from her Twitter followers, who went public with their outrage.

In a post, one fan wrote, "Deal (sic) Selena Gomez the bindi is not just some fashion accessory you can throw on, cultural appropriation man," while another added, "Selena Gomez, take that bindi of (sic) your head, cultural appropriation is not cute."

A third follower said, "Cultural Appropriation At It's Finest, My Respect For Selena Is Fading As We Speak," while a fourth viewer tweeted, "@selenagomez Hi, leave Bindis for Indian women."